North Carolina Politics Could Change The Nation In 2024

What’s happening: President Joe Biden is putting his political weight behind his campaign with a sixth journey to North Carolina and campaign ads in the state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared the same day and will be followed by Mike Pence and Donald Trump. All signs point to the Tar Heel state becoming a pivotal battleground in the race.

Taking power: North Carolina Republicans, leveraging their rural stronghold, are on the cusp of acquiring veto-proof dominance in the legislature due to a Democrat’s unexpected choice to defect to the GOP. The Republican capture of the state Supreme Court last year removed another potential check on the party’s power. With veto-proof majorities, lawmakers will likely redraw state and congressional districts to benefit Republicans in federal elections.

Why it matters: North Carolina is particularly contested; it was Trump's tightest win among the 26 states he secured in 2020. While a Democratic presidential candidate could theoretically win without North Carolina's 16 electoral votes, a Republican candidate likely could not. Biden’s campaign is focused on winning the state for Democrats this time around and supporting the Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

The strategy: Republicans in the state legislature overturned a veto from Gov. Roy Cooper to pass a 12-week abortion ban. According to recent polls, abortion is still an animating driver for Democrat turnout, and Biden is planning on using it for his campaign in the state. He’ll also campaign on the economy and manufacturing.